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Scorpions - Humanity Hour Vol 1
The 1990's were a dark time for Hanover's finest. Like most classic Hard Rock/Metal bands they struggled to make sense of the changing landscape and the result was two dire albums (‘Pure Instinct’ and ‘Eye to Eye’) and two pretty poor ones (‘Face the Heat’ and ‘Crazy World’). It was with some trepidation that a friend gave me a copy of Unbreakable in 2004 but after a few listens one thing became clear: The Scorps were back – big time!
I managed to catch them live a couple of times recently I can't describe how good the gigs were: Rudy and the boys were simply stunning!
So, again, I find myself in that strange position that has happened with a lot of older bands recently: namely Dio, Maiden, Saxon, UFO and Priest in that their new album is highly anticipated. And, as usual, I must say I was very worried when I heard that they were working with Desmond Child – but I'm pleased to say that our teutonic masters have delivered in spades!
Style of music
Melodic Euro Hard Rock
Website:
Release:
Out Now
Overview!
'Hour 1' is the kick off track and is a kick arse rocker and they are sure to open their live set with this on their forthcoming summer tour. Rudy and Mathias grind out the riffs like men reborn, and the rest of the band are on superb form! 'The Game of Life' has bags of melody and contains a great chorus. Track three, 'We We're Born to Fly' is the albums standout cut: a Scorps classic! Klaus Meine proves once and for all that he is one of the greats along with Halford, Dickinson and Dio.
As their well known songs 'Still Loving You' and that very chessy 'epic' 'Winds Of Change' attest to, it wouldn't be a Scorpions album without a ballad or three and 'Future Never Dies' is a great example of the genre. Defy the smoking ban and get your lighter out! 'You're Lovin' Me to Death' is catchy enough but is a little throw away. However it is still worth 6/10 on the ‘Boxometer’. '3 2 1' could sound like a tribute to Northern UK TV comedian and game show host Ted Rogers – but instead it is another all out rocker - with a stupidly catchy chorus.
'Love Will Keep us Alive' cheesy title - but another great ballad. It has a nice folksy feel and Klaus sings beautifully. 'We Will Rise Again' – this is hard and heavy and has an epic quality to it. I can almost see Rudy's guitar faces as he pounds out the (power, obviously!) chords. With another ballad 'Your Last Song’ is probably the albums weakest track; this and maybe a a ballad too far – but it is a tribute to the quality of proceedings that it is still a fine song.
'Love is War' has another brilliant chorus to light up this song. Mucho Kudos most go to Desmond Child for the tight arrangements (only one song is over 5 minutes and seven are under 4 minutes) and the production and sound quality are all first rate - tight, economical and all exhibiting typically Germanic efficiency - great stuff! 'The Cross': the bridge is magnificent on this track and the rhythm section really shines – a superb late entry! And, finally 'Humanity' closes the album with one of its finest moments and high point for all concerned. There's nothing to say about this one. Here it and weep – this track contains all the elements that have made this band great!
Conclusion
In terms of guitar, gone are the days when Mathias Jabs would rip out a succession of squealing harmonics. However, his playing is tasteful and melodic throughout and is an improvement over his soloing on 'Unbreakable'. There is also a wide range of guitar tones on offer throughout the record and Rudy and Mathias are to be congratulated for their sonic awareness. The rest of the band acquit themselves superbly and the overall sound is of the highest quality. My only quibble is that it perhaps contains one ballad too far and could perhaps rock a little harder at times.
In concluding, I wouldn't put this album up there with the likes of 'Lovedrive', 'Black Out', 'Virgin Killer' or 'Love at First Sting' which are all Scorps classics; however, it sits happily alongside 'Animal Magnetism', 'Savage Amusement' and 'Unbreakable' as a very solid entry.
See you in Manchester on 29th July guys!
For fans of:
Euro Metal
UFO
Saxon
Rainbow
Dio